In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a cursed prophetess. She was gifted with prophecy but the curse ensured her predictions would never be believed. Not that it stopped her from speaking out. It behoves all of us to speak out about what is wrong but also about what is right. We can do that in our creativity whether it be prose, poetry or painting. What matters is the message.

Crossed and closed, connected, keeping tight myself, I hold my arms, imprison heart, refuse to then release, so self can be protected, armed against all pain, and we are disconnected; you’ve gone, your arms deceived.

I huddled into your embrace, believed that it was true, and yet the moments did not last, nothing held, endured, and so I arm myself against, the pain of love and trust, this weapon now will keep me safe, for you are surely lost.

One Response to Arms

When I read this poem I remembered that feeling. So grateful to have found someone to trust. Once trust is betrayed it is so hard to trust again. I like how you use the arms as an expression of both trust and betrayal.